Fever caused by leaking atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm

Two cases of leaking atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm are presented. The leakage caused fever and leukocytosis, combined with signs of peritoneal irritation. Blood hemoglobin levels were reduced. Both patients were initially treated for sepsis but within hours the cause was identified; both died in the operating theater. The experience of others is reviewed and the mechanism of fever caused by leaking aneurysm is discussed.